The theatrical versions of The Hobbit trilogy – An Unexpected Journey, The Desolation of Smaug, and The Battle of the Five Armies – clock in at a combined running time of 8 hours and 1 minute. The extended editions, offering a more complete and immersive experience, increase this total to a hefty 8 hours and 52 minutes.
The Run Times Broken Down
Knowing the overall duration is useful, but understanding the individual lengths of each film is crucial for planning your next Middle-earth marathon. Here’s a breakdown:
- The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey (2012): Theatrical – 2 hours, 49 minutes; Extended – 3 hours, 2 minutes
- The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug (2013): Theatrical – 2 hours, 41 minutes; Extended – 2 hours, 56 minutes
- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies (2014): Theatrical – 2 hours, 24 minutes; Extended – 2 hours, 44 minutes
As you can see, the extended editions add significant time to each film, enriching character development, expanding upon plot points, and providing a deeper connection to Tolkien’s source material.
Why the Longer Runtimes?
Peter Jackson, the director of The Lord of the Rings trilogy and The Hobbit trilogy, is known for his dedication to detail and his desire to bring Tolkien’s world to life as faithfully as possible. The extended editions of his films are a testament to this dedication. They include scenes and dialogue that were cut from the theatrical releases, often to adhere to studio constraints or pacing concerns. These additional scenes offer a more complete picture of the story and provide valuable context for key events and character motivations.
Choosing Your Viewing Experience
Ultimately, the choice between the theatrical and extended editions comes down to personal preference. The theatrical versions offer a more streamlined experience, ideal for casual viewers or those with limited time. However, fans seeking a richer, more immersive experience will undoubtedly appreciate the extended editions. Consider this when planning your viewing:
- Time commitment: Do you have nearly nine hours to dedicate to a movie marathon?
- Pacing: Do you prefer a quicker pace, or do you appreciate more deliberate storytelling?
- Tolkien purist: Are you a stickler for faithfulness to the source material?
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Are the extended editions of The Hobbit movies worth watching?
Absolutely! While they significantly increase the viewing time, the extended editions offer a much deeper and more satisfying experience. They add important scenes that flesh out the characters and story, providing a richer context and understanding of the events unfolding in Middle-earth. Most hardcore fans consider them essential viewing.
2. What are some of the specific scenes added to the extended editions?
The extended editions include numerous additions, ranging from extended dialogue scenes to entirely new action sequences. For example, An Unexpected Journey features more of Bilbo’s backstory and the dwarves’ initial arrival at Bag End. The Desolation of Smaug includes a more detailed depiction of Beorn’s house and the Lake-town feasts. The Battle of the Five Armies contains an extended version of the battle itself, including more dwarf heroism and a clearer portrayal of the alliances formed.
3. Is there a significant difference in visual effects between the theatrical and extended versions?
No, the core visual effects remain the same. The extended editions primarily add scenes that were already fully rendered and edited. While you might notice some minor refinements, the overall visual quality is consistent across both versions. The added scenes seamlessly integrate with the existing footage.
4. How do the extended editions of The Hobbit compare to the extended editions of The Lord of the Rings?
Both sets of extended editions offer a richer viewing experience compared to the theatrical versions. However, many fans consider the Lord of the Rings extended editions to be superior, as they feel the added scenes have a more significant impact on the overall narrative. This is subjective, of course, and depends on individual preferences.
5. Where can I watch the extended editions of The Hobbit movies?
The extended editions are available for purchase on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital platforms like iTunes, Google Play, and Amazon Prime Video. They are also occasionally available for streaming on various subscription services, so be sure to check your preferred platform for availability.
6. Does the extended edition of The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies make the ending feel less abrupt?
Yes, significantly. The extended edition of The Battle of the Five Armies provides a more satisfying conclusion, particularly regarding the fates of certain characters. The added scenes help to flesh out the aftermath of the battle and provide a greater sense of closure.
7. Are there any special features included with the extended editions?
Yes, the extended editions of The Hobbit movies are packed with special features, including behind-the-scenes documentaries, interviews with the cast and crew, and insightful commentary tracks. These bonus materials offer a fascinating glimpse into the making of the films and provide valuable context for the creative choices made during production.
8. Does the extended edition of An Unexpected Journey better explain the dwarves’ quest?
While the theatrical version adequately explains the quest, the extended edition provides a richer context by delving deeper into the dwarves’ history and motivations. The added scenes help to establish the importance of Erebor and the significance of reclaiming their homeland.
9. Is it necessary to watch The Lord of the Rings before watching The Hobbit?
While not strictly necessary, watching The Lord of the Rings first is highly recommended. The Hobbit serves as a prequel to The Lord of the Rings, and understanding the events and characters introduced in the original trilogy will significantly enhance your enjoyment of The Hobbit. Furthermore, there are numerous callbacks and references that will be lost on viewers unfamiliar with The Lord of the Rings.
10. How does the runtime of the extended editions affect the pacing of the movies?
The extended editions do slow down the pacing of the films, but not necessarily in a negative way. The added scenes allow for more character development, world-building, and a more deliberate exploration of the narrative themes. Some viewers may find the pacing too slow, while others will appreciate the more immersive and detailed storytelling.
11. Are there any deleted scenes from The Hobbit that didn’t make it into the extended editions?
Yes, there are always deleted scenes that don’t make the final cut, even for extended editions. Some of these scenes can be found online through unofficial channels, but they are not officially included in any released version of the films.
12. Should I watch the extended editions on my first viewing, or save them for a rewatch?
This depends on your personality. If you generally prefer the most complete and immersive experience possible and have ample time, dive right into the extended editions. However, if you’re unsure whether you’ll enjoy the slower pace and extra details, starting with the theatrical versions might be a safer bet, saving the extended editions for a subsequent viewing once you’re fully invested in the story and characters. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference!